Rabbi Sosnovik loves Torah even more than he loves sushi—but not as much as he’d love to learn with you!
With his warm and engaging personality, he creates a welcoming space for students to explore Torah in a meaningful and personal way. His passion for learning is infectious, and he is always eager to share deep insights and thought-provoking discussions. Whether in a shiur, a casual conversation, or a one-on-one chavruta, Rav Sos makes every learning experience enjoyable and inspiring. Above all, he is a devoted husband and father to his beautiful children, embodying the values of Torah both at home and beyond.
Blending psychology and Torah, five minutes with R’ Bloch is not a break from learning—it’s an opportunity to expand your mind beyond the boundaries of university studies.
As the visionary behind Ohrsom, he is dedicated to its growth, taking it to infinity and beyond. With a unique ability to bridge deep Torah wisdom and psychological insight, he challenges students to think critically, ask meaningful questions, and apply Jewish values to their everyday lives. Whether in a formal shiur or a casual conversation, Rabbi Bloch leaves students with fresh perspectives, inspiring them to grow intellectually and spiritually.
More passionate about Torah than the law he spent years studying, Reb Alter exudes a love for Jewish learning that is contagious.
More passionate about Torah than the law he spent years studying, Reb Alter exudes a love for Jewish learning that is contagious. Devoted to wisdom and always unraveling Torah’s complexities, he brings deep insights to every conversation. When not studying, he marvels at birds, sharing his enthusiasm for these creatures with all. Beloved by everyone, Reb Alter’s passion for learning and life inspires and challenges those around him.
Rav Tucker is passionate about teaching Torah and inspiring students by uncovering its depth, wisdom, and relevance to everyday life.
With dedication and enthusiasm, he cultivates a learning environment that fosters understanding, connection, and personal growth. More than just a teacher, he genuinely cares for his students, guiding and supporting them on their journey of learning and self-discovery. Together with his wife and children, he loves hosting students at their Shabbos table, creating a warm and welcoming space for connection, discussion, and inspiration. His goal is to make Torah accessible, meaningful, and transformative for every student.
Tamar is a passionate and dedicated Torah teacher who loves inspiring and guiding her students.
With deep sensitivity, kindness, and care, she creates a warm and nurturing learning environment where students can connect to Torah in a meaningful and personal way. Her shiurim are strongly text-based, as she strives to reveal the depth and brilliance of the Torah. As a devoted mother, she brings both wisdom and empathy to her teaching. Together with her husband, she loves welcoming students to their Shabbos table, fostering an atmosphere of warmth, meaningful conversation, and joy.
Tina is a passionate educator who transitioned from the classroom to the Beit Midrash, finding deep fulfillment in teaching Torah to young Jewish adults.
She is dedicated to helping them view Judaism as a relevant and essential part of their lives. As a mother of three daughters, she is especially committed to empowering young Jewish women as future mothers and spiritual leaders. Her favorite part of the day is building personal connections with students, inspiring and guiding them on their Jewish journey.
US native Danielle Katzeff is a dedicated mother of five and wife to lucky, local Lawrence.
Born in Miami and raised in Atlanta, she earned her undergraduate
honours degree at Emory University before completing her master’s at NYU. Danielle
began her career at Random House in New York before moving to Israel, where she
continued to work in publishing but also ran trips for Birthright and MEOR. She has
now been in South Africa and at OHRSOM for over a decade, involved from its
inception with the Gap Year, mentoring students, hosting Shabbos meals and adding
flare to our events, overseeing visiting student groups to South Africa, making
posters and creating written content. Danielle also serves as our female educator
and liaison for the Olami Podcast Fellowship. OHRSOM fosters her love of travel,
learning, and Judaism, allowing her to connect meaningfully to students and involve
her family in those relationships.
Louandri is a compassionate and dedicated Executive Assistant at OHRSOM, providing essential support to the directors with her strong problem solving skills and a warm, approachable demeanor.
With a soft heart and a strong work ethic, Louandri ensures smooth operations and effective coordination within the team. Her genuine care for others makes her a trusted asset to OHRSOM, both professionally and personally. Outside of work, Louandri enjoys connecting with people and making a positive impact in every aspect of her life.
Lauren is a dedicated mother of four and a proud grandmother to her beloved granddaughter.
With two decades of experience in the property industry, she has developed a strong foundation in real estate. Since 2022, Lauren has brought her expertise in planning and logistics to Ohrsom, ensuring smooth operations and efficiency within the organisation. Her ability to balance professional excellence with her deep commitment to family reflects her strong work ethic and caring nature. Passionate and hardworking, Lauren thrives in dynamic environments, always striving to create structure and success in both her personal and professional life.
Leah Altschuler is a passionate educator who loves bringing texts to life and diving into deep, thought-provoking discussions.
With a background from MMY Seminary and a Bachelor of Education, she combines her love for learning with an engaging and relatable teaching style. She thrives on fostering meaningful conversations and inspiring intellectual curiosity within Ohrsom.
When she’s not exploring big ideas, Leah is busy enjoying life in Glenhazel, Johannesburg, with her husband and three energetic kids. Whether in the classroom or at home, she’s always up for a great discussion and a little bit of fun!
Hi, I’m Yochanan Cannon! A Johannesburg-born, Cape Town-loving Jewish educator, passionate about helping young Jews grow into their best selves.
After graduating from King David Linksfield, I pursued finance in London—but life had other plans! I discovered a deep love for Jewish learning, leading me to six transformative years in yeshiva in Israel, where I met my amazing wife, Jodi.
In 2014, we moved to Cape Town, where I spent eight years leading Jewish Life at United Herzlia Schools. In 2022, I joined Ohrsom as Cape Town Director and Global Head of Education.
Jodi and I, along with our six precious kids, love engaging Cape Town’s young Jewish community. Let’s connect and grow together!
Johannesburg-born and proudly South African, I was a King David kid through and through!
I took my love for numbers to Wits, studying accounting, but university wasn’t just about balance sheets—it’s where I fell in love with my Jewish heritage.
After three years in finance, I married my incredible husband (December 2008!), and we set off for what was meant to be a one-year Torah adventure in Israel… but five years later, we were still there! We learned, embraced outreach, and soaked up every drop of inspiration.
In 2015, we launched Ohrsom Cape Town, building a buzzing hub for students. Now, as Global Financial Director, I balance numbers and Neshama. With our five fierce daughters and little prince, we’re spreading Torah, light, and good vibes in the most beautiful city in the world! Come join the journey!
Rabbi Justin Swaine has been actively engaging with the Jewish youth of Ohrsom Student since 2016, beginning in Johannesburg and later continuing in Cape Town.
He is passionate about connecting with Am Yisrael and learning Torah together, while building meaningful relationships that strengthen Jewish identity. Rabbi Swaine is married and the proud father of three daughters who love spending time at the beach and swimming in the ocean.
Meet Bini, a dynamic educator and mentor who ignites young Jewish minds. With a foundation in industrial engineering and a passion for self development, Bini brings a unique approach to empowering students.
As a relatable, down-to-earth, and open-minded individual, Bini connects with others through shared interests in music, sports, photography, hiking and camping to name a few. By merging his analytical background with his insightful perceptions, Bini helps students ‘engineer’ their own Jewish identity, fostering growth, exploration, and self-discovery.
Meet Bati, a passionate educator who blends psychology and Torah for authentic self-development.
With her bubbly nature and perceptive personality, she connects with students of all backgrounds, understanding their unique needs. Bati is dedicated to empowering young women through a deep understanding of the Torah’s perspective on women and femininity. She offers in-depth content and practical insights, creating a relatable environment for students to explore their identities. As a young adult herself, Bati uses her personal experiences to connect with others, inspiring them to cultivate an authentic relationship with their Judaism.
Rabbi Sruli Salamon is a beloved educator and community leader in Cape Town, South Africa.
Originally from Brazil, he studied in prominent yeshivas around the world—including Luzern under Rav Kopelman Z”L, Sunderland, the Mir in Jerusalem, and received semicha under Rav Yakov Peretz Z”L. He also holds a BA from Machon Lev.
Rabbi Salamon is a core teacher and head of the informal division at Cape Town Torah High School, known for his inspiring Torah lectures and deep connection with students. He helps create an uplifting atmosphere of learning, davening, and warmth at Ohrsom Cape Town HQ . His open home, welcoming guests every Shabbos, reflects his passion for building a vibrant, inclusive Jewish community.
Born and raised in South Africa, with Cape Town as his playground and the world as his classroom, he now proudly calls Israel home.
As the Director of Ohrsom Gap Year, he is committed to creating an unforgettable journey that blends adventure, purpose, and a dash of chaos, ensuring each moment is meaningful and transformative. Passionate about travel, embracing life to the fullest, and deepening his connection to Hashem—though not always in that exact order—he strives to inspire others to explore and grow.
Above all, he is a proud husband, father, and Gap Year Director—definitely in that order!
Jena, born in Johannesburg, has traveled through Asia and previously lived in Cape Town before settling in Israel.
She is deeply in love with her husband and children, who are the center of her world. As an education professional, Jena is passionate about harnessing the innate talents and abilities of students, helping them unlock their full potential. She truly loves her work and feels blessed to be in a profession where she can make a lasting impact. Known to some as ‘Frum Shady,’ Jena brings a unique blend of dedication, warmth, and a touch of fun to everything she does, always striving for meaningful growth.
Rabbi Channen is the WOW factor in the Ohrsom team. His lectures are challenging and inspiring, filled with interactive moments, energy, and plenty of laughs.
A powerful and engaging storyteller, he shares deep insights and life lessons that provoke thought and contemplation. Born in Israel, Rabbi Channen has spent his life soaking up the wisdom of Torah. Passionate about learning and inspiring others to do the same, he is currently active with the Ohrsom Gap Year program. Together with his wife and seven beautiful children, Rabbi Channen offers a home open to all, providing warmth and hospitality to those in need.
Benjamin Gavronsky, or better known as GAVAAAA, plays a key role in ensuring the smooth operation of Ohrsom Gap Year, managing logistics, coordination, and behind-the-scenes details that keep the program running.
Gava is the heart and soul of Ohrsom Gap Year. Known for his warmth, friendliness, and infectious energy, he is a true loveable Yid who brings joy and connection wherever he goes. With a passion for education, travel, and personal growth, he forms genuine relationships with students and staff, always offering a listening ear and a helping hand. His positive attitude and sense of humor make him the go-to person, creating a welcoming environment
Jaime is warm, bubbly, and full of passion, with a great sense of humor. A proud alumna of the Ohrsom Gap Year program in 2022, she now plays a vital role in its day-to-day operations.
Her life-changing experience in the program deepened her love for Judaism, Yiddishkeit, and personal growth. Inspired by the impact Ohrsom had on her, she is dedicated to helping others embark on the same transformative journey. For Jaime, this is more than just a job—it’s a passion. Behind the scenes in admin and operations, she brings warmth, kindness, and infectious energy, helping Ohrsom thrive through her unwavering dedication and belief in its mission.”
Tayla is a dedicated mentor and educator who finds deep fulfillment in inspiring young Jews around the world. Born in South Africa, raised in Melbourne, and now living in Jerusalem, she brings a global perspective to her love for Torah and Jewish learning.
She is passionate about fostering meaningful connections and helping others strengthen their identity and spiritual growth. Committed to making Torah accessible and relevant, she blends tradition with contemporary insights. With a background in philanthropy, Tayla also enjoys helping individuals and organisations align their resources with their values to create meaningful and lasting impact.
Talia Levy, born and raised in Johannesburg, spent a year in Argentina and now lives in the holy city of Jerusalem.
She brings a warm smile and a steady sense of purpose to everything she does. Deeply passionate about building meaningful connections, she’s always looking for ways to foster growth—both personally and within the Ohrsom Family. With a natural knack for organizing and a thoughtful, people-first approach, Talia ensures that everything on the ground runs smoothly. From coordinating mentor operations to creating spaces where relationships can thrive, she’s the quiet engine behind seamless experiences and impactful interactions. Driven by curiosity and a genuine love for learning, Talia is always growing—and helping others do the same.
Kaelly is a cornerstone of our team, known for her kindness, warmth, and genuine care for everyone she meets. She has a natural ability to connect with and uplift our students, creating a welcoming and supportive environment where they feel comfortable sharing and growing.
Kaelly’s infectious positivity and dedication to making others feel valued extend far beyond her role in operations and logistics. She blends strong organizational skills with a heartfelt passion for inspiring others. Kaelly’s strength, compassion, and unwavering support leave a lasting impact, making her a truly remarkable and cherished member of the team
Originally from South Africa, Josh made Aliyah in 2019 and brings a background in business management. He’s all about practical problem-solving and maintaining efficiency, while also prioritizing genuine connections with students.
Whether he’s planning a trip, organizing a Shabbat, or simply having a meaningful conversation, Josh is always ready to lend a hand. Outside of work, he’s passionate about studying, exploring all things computers, and focusing on personal growth. At Ohrsom, Josh plays a key role in ensuring that every aspect of the experience is seamless, enjoyable, and, most importantly, impactful for everyone involved
